The beaches were packed in Brevard County on Tuesday despite Tropical Storm Arthur looming off the coast.
The wind and surf is gaining strength at the Cocoa Beach Pier — the result of Arthur spinning out in the Atlantic Ocean.
Dozens of surfers were taking advantage of the waves despite the red flag conditions, which warn of possible rip currents and strong waves.
Some people were spotted keeping their kids nearby in the water.
Cassie McCabe, of Oveido, didn’t last long in the surf. She packed it in early after only a couple of minutes.
"Super choppy — rip currents going that way," McCabe said, describing the surf conditions.
Brevard Ocean Rescue lifeguards are on the ready. They especially want people who aren't familiar with strong surf to be extra cautious.
"There are definitely rips, something to be cautious about," Brevard Ocean Rescue Chief Jeff Scabarozi said.
More sand continues to get whipped up as the winds increase, too.
"I'm going to have sand everywhere by the time I get home," said Jeff Emerson, an artist who makes his living by the pier. "I got to hold on with one hand, paint with the other. You can tell my paintings on a windy day — everything's wobbly."
Workers at a nearby hotel have removed poolside chairs in the case Tropical Storm Arthur gets strong enough to potentially blow them around.
County leaders encourage drivers to be cautious traveling over local causeways. The wind could be enough to move your car from lane to lane.
The Brevard County Emergency Operations Center remains on the ready in case emergency operations call for activation.